City University of Seattle

What you'll study

The programme combines core advanced accounting topics with applied skills in auditing, taxation and accounting information systems. Typical modules include:

• Advanced Financial Reporting — consolidation, complex transactions, and IFRS/US GAAP comparison.
• Managerial and Cost Accounting — costing systems, budgeting, performance measurement.
• Auditing and Assurance — audit planning, evidence, internal control evaluation and professional standards.
• Taxation for Corporations and Individuals — tax planning, compliance and contemporary tax issues.
• Accounting Information Systems and Data Analytics — ERP systems, controls, use of analytics and visualization tools in accounting.
• Financial Statement Analysis and Valuation — ratio analysis, cash‑flow analysis and fundamentals of business valuation.
• Business Law and Ethics for Accountants — regulatory environment, professional ethics and governance.
• Capstone Project or Applied Research — an integrative project or practicum that applies technical knowledge to a real business problem.

The degree is delivery‑flexible with full‑time and part‑time options, and frequently offered through classroom, evening and online formats to accommodate working students. Students lacking certain undergraduate accounting prerequisites may be required to complete bridging modules before taking advanced courses.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold a recognised bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution. Typical requirements include:

• A completed undergraduate degree in accounting, finance or a related discipline; applicants from other backgrounds may be considered but could need prerequisite accounting coursework.
• A competitive academic record demonstrated by official transcripts; some applicants may be required to show a minimum GPA equivalent as part of admissions assessment.
• A current CV/resume and a personal statement outlining career goals and reasons for pursuing the master’s.
• References or letters of recommendation — often one or two professional or academic referees.
• For applicants without a strong quantitative background, the programme may request evidence of quantitative ability or require preparatory courses in statistics and introductory accounting.
• International applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency through recognised tests or approved exemptions in line with university policy.

Standardised tests such as the GMAT or GRE are not universally required; whether they are requested depends on academic background and admissions discretion. Professional experience can strengthen an application, particularly for part‑time or executive pathways.

Career prospects

Graduates of the Master’s in Accounting and Related Services move into a wide range of professional roles across industry, practice and the public sector. Common career pathways include:

• Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or equivalent national professional accountancy qualifications — many graduates use the degree to meet technical requirements for certification where applicable.
• External and internal auditor roles in accounting firms and corporate audit departments.
• Management accountant, financial controller or reporting accountant positions responsible for budgeting, forecasting and financial reporting.
• Tax advisor or tax manager specialising in corporate and personal taxation.
• Forensic accountant, compliance officer or roles in corporate governance and risk management.
• Financial analyst, business analyst or consultancy roles that leverage accounting knowledge and data analytics skills.

The programme’s applied capstone and industry‑focused curriculum support employability by emphasising practical problem solving, use of accounting systems and contemporary analytical tools valued by employers.

Why study at City University of Seattle

City University of Seattle is a regionally accredited institution with a long tradition of serving adult and international learners. The university designs its business and accounting programmes with flexible delivery in mind — offering evening classes and online options that suit working professionals.

Students benefit from instructors with professional and teaching experience, a pragmatic curriculum aligned to current practice, and support services for career development and professional certification pathways. The programme’s structure emphasises transferable technical skills, ethical practice and data literacy, helping graduates meet employer expectations in accounting, audit and finance roles.

City University’s connections with local employers and an emphasis on applied projects provide opportunities to develop a professional network and practical experience while completing the degree.